Just in time for the holidays, the Victoria Foundation has approved $2,235,053 in annual Community Grants to 106 local non-profit organizations.
The region’s largest non-government funder, the Victoria Foundation has awarded over $22.3 million so far this year and over $222 million since the foundation began in 1936.
RELATED: Study shows registered charities gave Victoria $4-billion boost
“We are incredibly honoured to be able to give this gift to the community,” said CEO Sandra Richardson. “We are fortunate to live in a region of very generous donors, all of whom deserve to share the credit for this remarkable outpouring of support. What more could you ask for at this wonderful time of year?”
Supported by the Foundation’s Vital Victoria Fund, Community Grants are awarded each December. Individual donors and fund holders also contribute significantly, this year providing almost $775,000 of the total $2.2 million.
RELATED: Victoria Hospitals Foundation Visions gala raises record-breaking cash
Thanks to outreach efforts this year, community grants saw 37 first-time applicants for a range of projects.
“Science education in Victoria will benefit greatly from the Victoria Foundation’s $15,000 grant to our Touching the Stars Project,” said Dr Ben Dorman, Chair of the Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory.
“The project will create partnerships with schools to provide hands-on astronomy and science education to students throughout the Victoria Capital Regional District. Touching the Stars is aimed at sparking student interest in STEM careers, developing critical thinking skills, highlighting local science resources and opportunities, and attracting diverse individuals to science. We are both grateful and honoured by this grant award.”
RELATED: Vital Signs report breaks down Greater Victoria statistics
Community Grants have ties to Victoria’s Vital Signs, an annual community report card produced by the Victoria Foundation and sponsored by Coast Capital Savings. All the grants have a connection to one or more of the 12 issue areas identified in the report that contribute to the vitality and wellbeing of our community: Arts & Culture, Getting Started, Standard of Living, Learning, Belonging & Engagement, Safety, Sports & Recreation, Economy, Transportation, Housing, Environment, and Health & Wellness. All grants must also be connected to at least one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Find a list and description funded projects at www.victoriafoundation.ca.
c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter